Cathay Pacific and Air China jointly named CAPA Airline of the Year

The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), at its Aviation Outlook Summit conference on 9 November, named Cathay Pacific, jointly with Air China, as the CAPA Airline of the Year. CAPA is Asia-Pacific's only major independent aviation "think tank" based in Sydney.

In presenting the award to Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Philip Chen and Li Jia Xiang, Chairman of Air China, at a presentation dinner in Singapore, CAPA Executive Chairman Peter Harbison said "the Air China-Cathay Pacific partnership promises to unlock significant gains in efficiency, productivity and network strength. The breakthrough agreement has significant competitive ramifications throughout Asia and beyond, as well as potentially influencing policy settings that could unleash further growth in the industry."

Said Mr Chen: "I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of Cathay Pacific and honoured to share it with our partner Air China. The synergies between Cathay Pacific, Dragonair and Air China are there, and all those involved are committed to making a success of the far-sighted deal that has brought the three carriers together."

The CAPA Airline of the Year is awarded annually to the airline that has had the greatest impact on the development of the airline industry in the region, established itself as a leader and created a benchmark for others to follow.

Cargo was also hauled into the spot light at the same event as CX was named CAPA Cargo Airline of the Year - awarded to the cargo airline that has had the greatest impact on the development of the region's air cargo industry.

The Aviation Outlook Summit is an annual platform for senior executives from the region's major airlines, airports and government agencies.